Middle Tennessee was the biggest favorite to win its conference when I posted the analysis in early January, and unlike some heavy favorites (Duke and Arizona, for example) the Blue Raiders met expectations. They are experienced and deep, ranking second nationally in experience and 11th in bench minutes. Their 11-man rotation is comprised of juniors and seniors. But they are also very good. They had a few close calls on the road in Sun Belt play, but their lone loss was in overtime to Arkansas State. Not coincidentally, Arkansas State is the second choice here, albeit a distant second.